Month: March 2016

I smooth the frizz out of my hair after blow-drying and apply some mascara and lip-gloss. It’s the first day of senior year and I know most of the girls in my class probably have had their outfits planned for weeks. Not me, I would rather be comfortable then cute in my faded blue t-shirt and jeans. I look in the mirror, expecting to look different. Like being a senior magically transformed me over night. I don’t look different. I still have the same amount of freckles, if not more, covering my nose and cheeks. My thick brown hair falls straight over my shoulders and the same faded, too small for my face; green eyes stare back at me. I Jane Marie Atchison am still the same plane Jane that I was last year.

Above is the first paragraph of a story I am in the process of writing. There is a certain kind of pressure when writing. Even if no one will ever read the words written. You always desire for your writing to be good, coherent and relateable. Usually one writes what one knows and therefore, whether intentional or not, little bits and pieces of your soul splatter through your words like rain drops, slipping into the cracks on the pages. That is why this particular writing prompt caught my attention. Why do we write only to never finish? Is it because we think we aren’t good enough? Is it simply a case of writer’s block? Or is it bigger then that? When we write we become vulnerable even if the story is fiction. These words are from my brain, my imagination and I am putting them out there for anyone to see and judge. It’s scary. Maybe that’s why we write but don’t finish.

Ok, so I know its March 11th and this post is a little late. I also know that towards the end I didn’t blog much about this topic. I can give you the regular excuses, we’ve been sick, life was crazy. Yada Yada Yada. Who cares right? So let me just get to it.

Here are my results and thoughts on my little challenge. I loved it so much I’m still doing it! Honestly. Maybe not quiet as strict. I’ve had a few several glasses of wine since March 1st, but the whole working out and 0 to low carb dinners are still going strong. And I am totally rid of my coke zero habit!!! I don’t even think about them anymore! If that was all I got from this experiment that would be enough but it’s not I got so much more. Below is a list of what goals I wanted to achieve when I started the challenge VS what I actually achieved.

Eat more whole foods throughout my week and less processed junk – Check!

Eat more veggies- Check!

Kick my diet soda habit- Check!

Exercise Regularly- Check!

Increase my energy levels- Check!

More restful sleep at night- Check!

Increase water intake- Semi-Check!

Reduce bloat- Check!

Better my digestion- Check!

Tone my muscles, especially my mid-section- Semi-check!

loose 4 to 5 pounds

As you can see I was able to achieve almost every goal on my list. I have definitely cut back on processed food. I have so many new meals that have been added to the dinner rotation that are low carb and delicious. Not only did my vegetable intake increase but my husband and kids are eating more veggies too! I’m sleeping much better. And while my energy isn’t through the roof it feels way more stable then it was. And of course no more diet soda!

Okay so with all that said here is where I need improvement. Over the holidays I had gained about five pounds that I was hoping to get rid of. I only lost one pound on this “diet.” Which I found surprising because I stuck strictly to it. However I do feel stronger and more toned and who’s to stay that those five pounds won’t eventually come off. The truth is it is more about how you feel then the number on the scale. Water, I hit on average 30oz a day which is okay but I know I need more then that.

Another area that could use improvement, my food journal. I didn’t do a good job at writing down what I was eating. But I still think it’s important. Even if its just for yourself. It offers a little more accountability. Obviously it’s not something you can do everyday for the rest of your life but its a good option to consider if you are trying to hit specific goals. All in all, I felt the challenge was successful. If you are interested in trying it for yourself click here to see the guidelines I followed. You don’t have to do it in February. 😉

In the next few weeks I will try to post some of our favorite low carb dinners. Thanks for reading you guys!